Why True Leaders Must Be Willing To Think OUTSIDE The Box?

After more than 4 decades of involvement in leadership planning, development, identification, qualification, and consultation, I have come to believe, that, perhaps, the greatest challenge, to producing and developing, the best possible, most effective leaders, may, in fact, be, related to how individuals think, or fail to! It's not merely about, finding individuals, ready, willing, and able, to make well - considered decisions, based on enhanced aptitudes, etc, and recognizing, one will make little difference, for the better, until/ unless, he expands the limitations and restrictions of self - imposed, comfort zones, but becomes capable of, thinking, OUTSIDE the box! With that in mind, this article will attempt to consider, review, and discuss, using the mnemonic approach, what this means and represents, and why it matters.

1. Options; open - minded; opportunities; opinions: Pseudo - leaders, often, appear to be willing to believe, there is only one way to proceed. They strictly abide by the pursuit of the same - old, same - old, rather than considering options and alternatives, with an open - mind! Only when this is the process, will one proceed, to consider, and be prepared to recognize, and take advantage of the finest opportunities, which might present themselves! They realize, it is incumbent upon a true leader, to express his opinions, in a well - considered, inspiring, motivating manner.

2. Useful; usable; unique: Obviously, nothing will make a leader, meaningful, unless/ until, he provides useful leadership. This means his ideas must be usable, and valuable. We need individuals, who put their unique, fingerprints, on their strategic and action plans!

3. Timely: The antithesis of leading, is procrastination! Challenges, often, become problems, unless they are addressed, in a well - considered, timely way!

4. Service; system; sustainable solution: We need leaders, whose primary emphasis is on service, to their organizations and stakeholders, rather than any personal/ political agenda, and/ or, self - interest! When one perceives and conceives of, creates, and develops, a quality system, which considers present, and future needs, priorities, etc, he becomes capable of introducing the best, sustainable solutions.

5. Ideas; imagination; integrity; ideology: Absolute integrity, often, is the key ingredient, between true leaders, and the rest, of - the - pack! A leader must align his ideas, with the ideology, of the organization. To make a real difference, he needs, to possess a quality imagination, to consider the best way, to proceed!

6. Delve deeply; deliver: One must be willing, and ready, to delve deeply, to become the type of leader, his group needs, and deserves! We should evaluate one's leadership, by whether he under - promises, and over - delivers!

7. Empathy; emphasis; energize: When one begins, by effectively listening, and learning from every conversation, and experience, he becomes capable of proceeding, with the utmost degree, of genuine empathy! This should direct, him, to place his emphasis, where it will energize, and inspire, others, to greater commitment and involvement.

True leaders must be willing, and able, to think, OUTSIDE the box! Are you the right person, for this task, and responsibility?

The 4 Seasons Of Home Maintenance

Home ownership, is, both, a right, and an obligation! A smart homeowner considers how, to effectively, maintain, his house, in the best, most effective way, to minimize costs, hassles, and keep the home, well - maintained! Rather than waiting for obstacles and challenges, to become problems, the wise ones, realize and recognize, it's a good idea, to do, regular maintenance, on a seasonal basis. After over a decade as a Real Estate Licensed Salesperson, in the State of New York, I have attempted to simplify this process, and refer to, this approach, as the 4 Seasons, of Home Maintenance.

1. Spring: Nearly everyone has heard of Spring Cleaning, and wise owners, approach this season, as an opportunity, to address, issues, which were brought on, by winter's weather. For example, in colder climates, houses undergo certain stresses, during winter. Front hallways, often suffer, because of the dirt, brought into the house, by bringing in the elements, such as snow, salt, etc. In addition, they clear leaves, address plantings, repair cracks on paved paths, driveways, and exterior foundation, as well as examining, whether the weight of snow and ice, have created challenges, with the gutters. Also, now that weather has warmed, it is wise, to seed lawns, and take care of all the little things, you needed warmer weather, to do!

2. Summer: Towards the end of Spring, and during the Summer, and early Fall, take care of landscaping. Do as much exterior/ outside work, when the opportunity arises, and, do so, proactively, before minor issues, become major expenses.

3. Fall: As trees begin to lose their leaves, clear them from lawns, paths, drains, gutters, etc, so as to be prepared, for more extreme weather conditions! Towards the end of the season, drain, and turn - off, exterior water sources, in - ground sprinklers, etc. Have a pre - winter, heating system, preventive maintenance, to ensure fewer heating problems, when you most need to heat, your house.

4. Winter: Thoroughly perform snow removal, and clear away, paths, pipes, etc, to ensure fewer issues and challenges. Avoid using harmful chemicals, when melting ice, etc, and there are many safe products, on the market, today. Using certain chemicals, often cracks cement, etc. Remove hanging icicles, in order to reduce the stresses and strains on your roof, and gutters. Make certain, early in the season, to minimize wasting energy, by using a setback thermostat, and doing minor efficiencies, such as door sweeps, caulking windows, insulating behind sockets, etc.

It's wise to have a home maintenance plan. Addressing these simple steps, generally saves a lot of hassle, and money!

The ONGORS Of Strategic Planning

Unless someone, is ready, willing, and able, to strategically plan, in a relevant, sustainable manner, how can he possibly, hope, to become, a quality, meaningful, effective leader? Far too often, organizations, claim, to honor this process, but rather, than focus on developing the best, possible, strategy, rather than merely, an expedient excuse to complain, and blame others, etc, the possibilities, are often, exponentially, expanded, and broadened! After over 4 decades of involvement, in nearly every aspect of leadership, and, especially, planning, from identify, qualifying, training, developing, and consulting to thousands of actual, and/ or potential leaders, I have decided, a simple, effective way, to consider this process, is to examine, the ONGORS of strategic planning. With that in mind, this article will attempt to briefly examine, consider, review, and discuss, using the mnemonic approach, what this means and represents, and, why, it might be a smart approach.

1. Open - minded; organized: It's important to begin with, and maintain am open - mind, in order to consider the possibilities, and alternatives, thorough, and with the most, well - considers, attention! One must be organized, in order to ensure the highest degree of effectiveness, in a relevant, sustainable manner!

2. Needs: Shouldn't an organization's strategic plan, be focused, on the true needs, of constituents, and the group, itself? Why should anyone, consider, greater involvement, and commitment, unless/ until, he perceives its purpose, as addressing their needs, goals and priorities?

3. Goals; greater good: Before developing any strategic plan, it's important to carefully consider, and address the goals, which should be addressed and assisted, by how the organization proceeds. This strategic planning must focus on the greater - good, rather than any personal/ political agenda, and/ or, self - interest!

4. Options; opportunities: There's usually many decisions, and alternatives, to choose from, and which, options, and paths, are the best ways to proceed. Any planning must include a willingness, and ability to consider, and recognize the finest opportunities, which will make the group, stronger, and more viable/ sustainable!

5. Ramifications: Every action taken, or avoided, has potential ramifications. A true leader's strategy must consider, and recognize these, and must include, processes, for handling, potential challenges, and the creation of well - considered, contingency plans!

6. Sustainable system: It's not going to make a difference, for the better, until/ unless, any process, aims to perceive and conceive of, consider, create, develop, and implement a viable, relevant, sustainable system, which emphasizes quality, and meaningful service!

Will you consider the ONGORS of strategic planning? Will you keep them, in mind, when you plan, the best way, to proceed?

Some Begin, But True Leaders FINISH!

Although many individuals, either, ascend to, are elected, or selected, to positions of leadership, I have discovered, in my, over four decades of involvement, of nearly every aspect, from identifying, qualifying, training, and developing, to consulting, and serving, personally, as a leader, in various positions, for a variety of types of organizations, perhaps, the simplest explanation of the difference between a genuine leader, from the pseudo - leaders, or rest - of - the - pack, is while most possess positive intentions/ insights, a real leader, not only begins, but persists, and endures, until the FINISH. With that in mind, this article will attempt to briefly examine, consider, and review, using the mnemonic approach, why this process, is so meaningful, in determining the most effective leaders.

1. Future; furnish; face facts; fruition: Populist leaders are often members of false leadership! Only, when one focuses on the future, and plans thoroughly and effectively, does it become possible, to furnish the finest, sustainable solutions. Rather than burying, their heads, in the sand, a true leader faces facts, perceives, and conceives, the best way to proceed, and persists, until his ideas, are brought, effectively, to fruition!

2. Ideas; imagination: One must never restrict the possibilities, by remaining within his personal, comfort zone, but rather, it's important, to possess, and proceed, with the imagination, not merely, to see things as they are, but to create, a process, to evolve them, to where they, should be!

3. Needs: Genuine leadership must be based on genuine needs, goals, and priorities, if one, is to make a difference, for the better!

4. Ideology; integrity: Unless someone aligns his ideology, with that, of the group, and its stakeholders, and does so, with absolute integrity, he will never become a true leader, but, rather, will remain, to be, one of the many, pseudo - leaders!

5. System; service; sustainable solutions: Look closely at someone's system, and who, it serves, effectively! When a so - called, leader's priority, is service to constituents, and the organization, he proceeds to demonstrate, his genuine ability, by perceiving and conceiving of, the finest, possible, sustainable solutions!

6. Healing; head/ heart: Shouldn't a real leader, emphasize healing divisions, and bringing together, his constituents, for the common good, rather than resorting to any adversarial, and/ or polarizing approach, etc? To do so, effectively, he must take advantage of a quality, logical ability, with a genuine, emotional attachment! This is what I refer to, as the head/ heart, balance, of a genuine leader!

Will you merely begin, or will you persist and endure, and FINISH, what you start, in the most meaningful way? Are you up to the task and responsibilities?

Why Do Core Supporters Look Away? : 5 Possibilities

Have you ever wondered, why so many people, continue to support, and trust, any particular, public official, even when he clearly demonstrates, the rhetoric, and promises, he made, as a candidate, were merely, empty, and focused on getting elected, rather than serving the common good, etc? Is it because of the significant degree of voter apathy, where less than half, of eligible voters, actually, take advantage of this important right, and assume the responsibility, or, because, few are willing to pay, keen attention, to what's going on? How does, the way, individuals receive their news, factor, into, their perceptions, and what, they believe, to be, the truth? With that in mind, this article will attempt to briefly examine, consider, review, and discuss, 5 possibilities, why, so many, core supporters, seem to look away, rather than focus on what's actually, going on.

1. Celebrity: If voters would pay more attention, to who, might be the best qualified, rather than personalities, and/ or, celebrity status, those assuming positions of significance, would, probably be, better equipped, to make the most important decisions, etc. When Americans elected Donald Trump, to the highest office in the land, in 2016, no doubt, many did so, because of their perceptions, and his perceived, celebrity!

2. Agree with an agenda: While we might hope, more would seek leadership, which emphasized the common good, and respect all the rights, liberties, and freedoms, this nation has stood for, the reality, is, many cast their votes, based on their own biases and prejudices, and whether they believe, a specific candidate, shares these, somewhat, tainted views!

3. Scape - goats: Many prefer to blame others, and complain, rather than assume any personal responsibility, and provide ideas, and viable solutions, to make changes, for the better! President Trump appears, to be, particularly adept, at making others, scape - goats, as a political, rhetorical, way, to inspire his core supporters!

4. Priorities and perceptions: While some may attempt to see, what happens, and events, objectively, the reality is, we all have personal perceptions, which impact our ability, to do so! Because many feel, so strongly, about certain of their personal priorities, they continue to overlook, other flaws, lies, etc, made by political leaders, even if they, fail to serve the common good, and, in some instances, even their actual best interests!

5. Believe the excuses/ explanations: Many are blinded by what they wish, might be, so, they, continue to believe the excuses, and explanations, even when the evidence, clearly, demonstrates, a particular leader, is lying, or only considering his self - interest!

Voter apathy, and lack of patience, to objectively consider, all the events, and eventualities, are the enemy of quality, representative government! We need to elect leaders, who focus on the common good, and respecting all the rights and freedoms, rather than selectively doing so!

Mortgage Options And Alternatives: The More, You Know!

Since, for most of us, our house, represents our single - largest, individual, financial asset, and most people, use some sort of financing, usually mortgages, to be capable of buying a home, doesn't it make sense, for people, to understand, recognize, and know, the different possibilities, when it comes to mortgages, and some of the options, and alternatives? The more one knows about this, the better, he will become, to make the smartest decision, for his personal situation. With that in mind, this article will attempt to consider, review, and evaluate, some of the options, and the advantages and disadvantages, of each of these.

1. Fixed Mortgage: Using a fixed mortgage, provides one, with the ability, to prepare, each monthly, because he knows, fairly well, what his monthly mortgage expense, might be! In addition, sometimes, these have points, which represent, a pre - payment (1 point = 1% of the mortgage principal), and, these are sometimes, necessary, to pay - down, the loan, in order to qualify, while, at other times, these are used, to lower the monthly interest rate. In addition, loans come in a variety of terms, and lengths, and, usually, the shorter the term, the lower the rate. However, shorter terms translate, also, to higher monthly payments. Terms are most often, either 15, 20, 25, 30, or 40 years, and each individual should recognize the difference, in terms of his monthly expenses. Many take longer - terms, so they can pre - pay, and pay - down, when affordable, while maintaining a lower requirement minimum!

2. Adjustable/ variable: An adjustable or variable loan, generally has a lower up - front interest rate, for a specific term, and changes, at specific points, in time. These may also have points, or none! Consider the specific index being used, to determine future rates, as well as any potential cap, both, each period, as well as an overall cap. Also consider, how often the rate might be adjusted.

3. Which one's for you?: Know your personal financial needs, and abilities, and act wisely! Consider several factors, including your personal comfort zone, existing rates (low, or high), probability of rates rising or falling, and what you might be able to afford!

The more one knows, about mortgages, the better the possibilities of making the best decisions! Will you learn, so you might protect, your best interests?

Should Our Laws Evolve, Or Never Change?

We often, hear, a discussion, of, whether the courts, especially the Supreme Court, should strictly consider legislation, and laws, or, consider them, in terms of the evolving needs, of our nation, and citizens. Unfortunately, quite often, the discussion, is not, about strict interpretation, but rather, far more selective, based on the perspectives, and political orientation of these 9 Justices. In a perfect scenario, there might be some, clear - cut focus and approach, but, in the real world, we often, discover, these concepts, are rarely absolute, and perhaps, should not be! With that in mind, this article will attempt to briefly review, consider, and discuss, some instances, where there should be, strict adherence, and absolute, while others, where we must evolve, in order, to address relevant, sustainable, needs and priorities.

1. Never change: If we are to remain true, to the basics, of what this nation, means and represents, we must demand, strict adherence, to maintaining, the freedoms, liberties, and rights, described, in the U.S. Constitution, and our Bill of Rights. Unfortunately, we often, witness situations, where these rights are considered, selectively, rather than fully. There are also times, when the interpretation, becomes somewhat muddled, by conveniences, or politics. For example, while the 2nd Amendment, is often, focused on a fight between so - called, gun - rights, and they use, The Right to Bear Arms, as the justification, the original intent, was about state's rights to have a militia, to defend themselves against intrusions, etc. The battle should be about sane policy, protecting people, for the common good, while permitting, responsible individuals, to own certain types of guns. It's extraordinary, however, that, the same ardent, 2nd Amendment supporters, often, appear, to pay far less attention, on the 1st Amendment, which protects, Freedom of the Press, and Free Speech.

2. Evolve: Over the 240+ years, since the nation, was founded, we have far more scientific data and knowledge, as well, as understanding, All men are created equal, must include women, as well as all people, regardless of race or ethnicity. A specific area, is the environment, which has been under attack, since President Trump, claims he does not believe and accept the preponderance of the scientific information, indicating, the reality of Climate Change. Recent Executive Orders, which have weakened environmental protections, will have dire impacts, on the sustainability, and quality of life, of future generations! Evolving positions are needed, when it comes to human rights, women's rights, civil rights, etc.

Wake up America, and realize, we must protect, the law, of the land - all of them, not merely those we like or support any political/ personal agenda, and/ or self - interest! It's up, to you!